C2 Saving Someone

"Hurry, get the groom into the palanquin while he's still breathing!" Li Hua's sister-in-law's voice screeched.

What in the world was going on? Xiao Ming wanted to speak, but before he could utter a word, he was hoisted up and bundled into the palanquin, jostled about until his senses blurred.

He was whisked through the wedding rituals without a moment to gather his wits and then rushed into the bridal chamber. All the while, his "father-in-law," Soong Dahu, was profusely apologizing to the guests: "The boy is under the weather today. He'll pay his respects another time!"

The tumultuous wedding was over, and as Xiao Ming stepped into the bridal chamber, he realized he was drenched in a cold sweat.

His bride sat on their new bed, her slender figure discernible even beneath the heavy layers of her gown. But recalling the words spoken while he was out of it, Xiao Ming's excitement fizzled out.

He was so drained he could barely stand, let alone contemplate anything more.

He was about to break the stifling silence when, unexpectedly, the bride lifted her veil herself.

Xiao Ming was struck by the stunning beauty that emerged from beneath the red fabric. Even with his past life's encounters with enchanting fairies, he was momentarily dumbfounded.

Her porcelain skin, delicate nose, and luscious red lips were complemented by her hair, loosely pinned up, her brows furrowed yet exuding allure.

Before he could collect himself, she was upon him. Without a word, she drew a silver needle from her sleeve and aimed for the top of his head...

Great, is this how all the ladies in this world play? Xiao Ming lamented internally.

Soong Xixue's needle, seemingly destined for his scalp, shifted course with a subtle flick of her wrist, finding its mark on Xiao Ming's neck instead.

Paralyzed, Xiao Ming couldn't help but admire the needlework. The force was lacking, but the precision was commendable; she had clearly trained hard.

Another needle descended, this time targeting Xiao Ming's abdomen. The sharp sting jolted him, and he blurted out, "Qu Gu, the intermediate double-acupoint Dragon Trapping technique. If you're not willing, just say so. Why resort to such measures?"

Soong Xixue's eyes widened in shock. "You... you're versed in acupuncture?"

Xiao Ming gave an exasperated eye roll. As if the esteemed Medical Saint Zixuan wouldn't know acupuncture. But this wasn't the time for such discussions.

With a sigh, Xiao Ming's voice took on a serious tone. "If you have no intention of consummating our marriage, why agree to it in the first place?"

"I..."

Soong Xixue nibbled on her lip, a look of pity crossing her face. After a brief pause, she explained, "It's a complicated story. Just think of it as a transaction. We'll be husband and wife in name for a while, and you'll receive proper compensation."

She had accepted the marriage proposal because she was fed up with the constant pestering from the Young Masters in the provincial city. The affairs of the Soong family were much more intricate than village gossip suggested, and not as straightforward as they appeared.

Marriage seemed like a desperate measure, but finding a husband willing to play the part was challenging. When her father brought up this match, she figured a man from the countryside wouldn't be too scheming and agreed.

As for anything happening between her and Xiao Ming, that was out of the question.

"You didn't need to resort to such tactics, though. And for the record, I never had any designs on you to begin with."